science
The science of staying young, healthy, and in-shape.
Did humans evolve to be carnivores
Evolution of the human diet Natural selection indicates that as organisms evolve, the organisms that adapt to their environment to the greatest degree eventually reproduce, and organisms that are unable to act in congruence to their environment do not survive long enough, or healthlly enough, to reproduce. Thus, as organisms evolve they will adopt behaviors that allow for the most optimal health and vitality, and will terminate harmful and non beneficial behaviors. For example, throughout our entire evolution, humans have maintained the behavior of sleep. At face value, sleep is simply a period of time in which mammals are unable to carry out any productive behaviors. Furthermore, a sleeping organism is at a much greater risk of being killed by a predator due to unconsciousness and immobility. If sleep was not absolutely necessary for their health and vitality, the organisms that thrived throughout history would likely be the organisms that did not require sleep. Understanding natural selection allows one to look at the habits that have been consistent throughout evolution and determine the dietary behaviors that supplied humans with the most optimal mental, and physical function. The most accurate form of determining the diet throughout human evolution is through studying stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes of the bones of dead organisms. The results of isotope studies of late Neandertals indicates that humans evolved as carnivores who derived the majority of our energy from large herbivorous animals. Further, humans were likely at the top of the food chain, that is humans were the apex predators. (1) Simply put, when given the opportunity humans would hunt, kill, and eat animals to fulfill their energy requirements. It is estimated that Neandertals' diets were derived from no less than 80% of energy obtained from animals. Furthemore, the simple yearly availability of non animal products would fluctuate throughout the year. If humans were not capable of subsiding strictly off of animal nutrition, early humans would not have survived during times of extreme weather that reduced their accessibility to any nutrition other than animals. When large animals were available for consumption, that was the preferred source of energy. Fruits and vegetables were eaten for subsistence between successful hunts, and simply for entertainment. These actions were performed in the absence of scientific reasoning, rather based on what produced the most beneficial outcomes in the past. With our current availability of food, we are capable of having an abundance of animal food present whenever we need to fulfill our energy requirements, thus we have no need to use plant energy for subsistence until we can obtain animal products.
By Calvin Scheller3 years ago in Longevity
Biochemistry of thyroid production
Introduction There are two hormones in humans are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) that are responsible for the effects of thyroid function however, there is a cascade of events that must occur beforehand to make their production possible moreover, the presence of specific molecules and nutrients must be sufficient to produce these hormones in the first place Both of these hormones are composed of tyrosine and iodine, however T3 contains three iodine molecules and T4 contains four. T4 is considered the inactive form of thyroid hormone, and T3 is the active form. That is, in the cell T3 is the necessary form of the hormone for thyroid activity. T4 is very easily converted into T3, as we will discuss in a moment. Through a series of signals through the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA), we somehow come out on the other side with T3 and T4 being secreted into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland. However, there are many prerequisites that must take place before any of that can ensue.
By Calvin Scheller3 years ago in Longevity
The biology of taste
Taste is a sensation that is triggered by the presence of specific molecules on the tongue. These molecules stimulate a cellular response within cells on the tongue. The result is the activation of specific nerves that send a signal to the brain and are interpreted. Humans have 5 tastes that we can distinguish, each having a specific receptor. Humans can detect sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami molecules on the tongue. Each of these taste sensations are activated by different molecules, and there are a multitude of molecules that stimulate a given taste sensation.
By Calvin Scheller3 years ago in Longevity
Hacking the human mind
. Human psychology is radically complex, and I will be the first to tell you that all of my opinions are subject to change. However, I recently made a very interesting observation, it seems to have support when it is put to the test in scientific studies.
By Calvin Scheller3 years ago in Longevity
Hormones Released Through Exercise
Let’s talk about these magical little chemicals that our bodies produce. Hormones are like the messengers of our bodies - they travel through our bloodstream and communicate with different organs to regulate all sorts of things like growth, metabolism, and reproduction. And when we exercise, our bodies go into overdrive, releasing all kinds of hormones to prepare us for the workout ahead.
By Think Move Strive 3 years ago in Longevity
Reaching New Heights with Hyperbolic Stretching
Hyperbolic stretching is a type of stretching exercise designed to stimulate the body’s nervous and muscular systems. The focus of this type of stretching is to increase flexibility, improve performance, and strengthen muscles. Hyperbolic stretching was developed by world-renowned stretch therapist Chris Proctor and is an effective and safe way to improve a person’s physical performance, flexibility, and overall health.
By Kim Neilson 3 years ago in Longevity
MEN - Stay Prostate Savvy: Protect Your Health
Prostate problems are common among men, with one in five men in their fifties affected. The most commonly associated issues include an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer, both of which can cause symptoms such as difficulty and pain while urinating, erectile dysfunction, and a decrease in sexual desire. While these issues can be debilitating, understanding the causes and importance of prostate health for men is essential for preventing and treating these issues.
By Kim Neilson 3 years ago in Longevity
The Benefits of Increasing Flexibility and Mobility with Age
As we age, our bodies tend to become less and less flexible and mobile, leading to a decrease in our physical abilities as we grow older. This decrease in flexibility and mobility can be combated, however, with regular stretching, strengthening, and relaxation of the muscles and joints. There are many benefits to increasing flexibility and mobility, which involve the entire body.
By Kim Neilson 3 years ago in Longevity
